
AUGUST 2003
10/100 to 100BASE-FX
Media Converters
CUSTOMER SUPPORT INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: info@blackbox.com
LH1706A-SC-US LH1706A-ST-UK LH1707A-SC-JP
LH1706A-SC-EU LH1706A-ST-AU LH1708A-SC-US
LH1706A-SC-UK LH1706A-ST-JP LH1708A-SC-EU
LH1706A-SC-AU LH1707A-SC-US LH1708A-SC-UK
LH1706A-SC-JP LH1707A-SC-EU LH1708A-SC-AU
LH1706A-ST-US LH1707A-SC-UK LH1708A-SC-JP
LH1706A-ST-EU LH1707A-SC-AU

1
FCC AND IC RFI STATEMENTS
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND
INDUSTRY CANADA
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy,
and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing
device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules,
which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case
the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be
necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

2
10/100 TO 100BASE-FX MEDIA CONVERTERS
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes
de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo,
cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca,
etc..
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales
que sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más
allá a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio
deberá ser referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama,
sofá, alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se
debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los
orificios de ventilación.

3
NOM STATEMENT
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el
aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen
del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las
lineas de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no
sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del
aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en
su desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

4
10/100 TO 100BASE-FX MEDIA CONVERTERS
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
ST is a registered trademark of AT&T.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are
acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners.

5
CONTENTS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2 What the Package Includes . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.1 Things to Consider Before You
Install the Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.1.1 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.1.2 The DIP Switches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.1.3 NWay DIP-Switch Setting . . . . . . . . 13
3.1.4 Link Fault Signals (LFS) . . . . . . . . . 15
3.1.5 Loopback Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.2 Installing the Converter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.3 Typical Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4. LED Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
5.1 Calling Black Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
5.2 Shipping and Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

6
10/100 TO 100BASE-FX MEDIA CONVERTERS
1. Specifications
NOTE
In this manual (except where noted otherwise):
• LH1706A-ST represents models LH1706A-ST-US,
LH1706A-ST-EU, LH1706A-ST-UK, LH1706A-ST-AU, and
LH1706A-ST-JP.
•
LH1706A-SC represents models LH1706A-SC-US,
LH1706A-SC-EU, LH1706A-SC-UK, LH1706A-SC-AU,
and LH1706A-SC-JP.
• LH1707A-SC represents models LH1707A-SC-US,
LH1707A-SC-EU, LH1707A-SC-UK, LH1707A-SC-AU,
and LH1707A-SC-JP.
• LH1708A-SC represents models LH1708A-SC-US,
LH1708A-SC-EU, LH1708A-SC-UK, LH1708A-SC-AU,
and LH1708A-SC-JP.
Operation: Half or full duplex
Standards: IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T and IEEE 802.3u
100BASE-TX/100BASE-FX
Maximum Distance: Twisted pair: 328 ft. (100 m);
Fiber: LH1706A-ST, LH1706A-SC: 1.2 mi. (2 km)
over multimode fiberoptic cable;
LH1707A-SC: 9.3 mi. (15 km) over single-mode
fiberoptic cable;
LH1708A-SC: 18.6 mi. (30 km) over single-mode
fiberoptic cable

7
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
User Controls: (1) DIP switch for half- or full-duplex
operation
Connectors: LH1706A-ST: (1) RJ-45, (2) ST
®
,
(1) barrel connector for Power;
LH1706A-SC, LH1707A-SC, LH1708A-SC:
(1) RJ-45, (2) SC, (1) barrel connector for Power
Indicators: (7) LEDs: (1) LFS, (1) 100, (2) LNK/ACT,
(2) FDX/COL, (1) Power
Temperature Tolerance:
Operating: 32 to 158°F (0 to 70°C);
Storage: -4 to +158°F (-20 to +70°C)
Relative Humidity:
Operating: Up to 80%, noncondensing;
Storage: Up to 90%, noncondensing

8
10/100 TO 100BASE-FX MEDIA CONVERTERS
Power: All models: External power supply:
Output: 12 VDC @ 0.8 A;
LH1706A-ST-US, LH1706A-SC-US, LH1707A-SC-US,
LH1708A-SC-US: Input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz (2-prong);
LH1706A-ST-EU, LH1706A-SC-EU, LH1707A-SC-EU,
LH1708A-SC--EU: Input: 230 VAC, 50 Hz (2-prong);
LH1706A-ST-UK, LH1706A-SC-UK, LH1707A-SC-UK,
LH1708A-SC--UK: Input: 230 VAC, 50 Hz (3-prong);
LH1706A-ST-AU, LH1706A-SC-AU, LH1707A-SC-AU,
LH1708A-SC-AU: Input: 240 VAC, 50 Hz (3-prong);
LH1706A-ST-JP, LH1706A-SC-JP, LH1707A-SC-JP,
LH1708A-SC--JP: Input: 100 VAC, 50/60 Hz (2-prong)
Size: LH1706A-ST: 0.9"H x 2.9"W x 4.9"D
(2.3 x 7.4 x 12.4 cm);
LH1706A-SC, LH1707A-SC, LH1708A-SC:
0.9"H x 2.9"W x 4.8"D (2.3 x 7.4 x 12.2 cm)
Weight: 0.3 lb. (0.1 kg)

9
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2. Introduction
2.1 Description
The 10/100 to 100BASE-FX Media Converters connect
your twisted-pair standard or Fast Ethernet to a
multimode or single-mode Fast Ethernet fiberoptic
network without adding to your repeater count.
Featuring automatic MDI/MDI-X selection and Link
Fault Setting (LFS), the media converter allows for
direct connection to a workstation, switch, or hub. You
can use either straight-through or crossover cable
between RJ-45 ports.
The converter also has a DIP switch for manually setting
half- or full duplex mode configuration for the
100BASE-FX fiber port. Once the DIP switches are set,
the system auto-reboots to new configurations without
powering off.
Additional features include:
• Store and forward at full wire speed.
• Compatible with other 10BASE-T and
100BASE-TX/-FX devices.

10
10/100 TO 100BASE-FX MEDIA CONVERTERS
• Autonegotiation, NWay support via switch.
• Remote and local loopback tests via DIP switch.
Available models are described below.
• LH1706A-ST: This model extends your standard
or Fast Ethernet network up to 1.2 mi. (2 km) over
820-nm Fast Ethernet multimode fiberoptic cable
via ST connectors.
• LH1706A-SC: Choose this model to extend your
standard or Fast Ethernet network up to 1.2 mi.
(2 km) over 820-nm Fast Ethernet multimode
fiberoptic cable using SC connectors.
• LH1707A-SC: Use this converter to extend your
10- or 100-Mbps Ethernet network up to 9.3 mi.
(15 km) over 1310-nm Fast Ethernet single-mode
fiberoptic cable via SC connectors.
• LH1708A-SC: This converter is the same as the
LH1707A-SC, but it extends your network up to
twice the distance (18.6 mi. [30 km]).

11
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
Figure 2-1. 10/100 to 100BASE-FX Media Converter
with ST connectors.
Figure 2-2. 10/100 to 100BASE-FX Media Converter
with SC connectors.
2.2 What the Package Includes
• (1) 10/100 to 100BASE-FX Media Converter
• (1) AC adapter
• (4) Non-skid rubber feet
• (2) Mounting screws
• This users’ manual

12
10/100 TO 100BASE-FX MEDIA CONVERTERS
3. Installation
3.1 Things to Consider Before You Install the Converter
3.1.1 L
OCATION
The converter’s location may greatly affect its
performance. When selecting a location, consider these
guidelines:
• Choose a fairly cool and dry spot. See Chapter 1
for the acceptable temperature and humidity
operating ranges.
• Select a location free from strong electromagnetic
field generators (such as motors), vibration, dust,
and direct exposure to sunlight.
• Leave at least 4 inches (10.2 cm) of space at the
front and rear of the unit for ventilation.

13
3.1.2 T
HE
DIP S
WITCHES
The seven DIP switches are show in Figure 3-1.
A description of each switch’s function in the chart
below.
Figure 3-1. DIP switches.
DIP Switch Function
1 Enables/disables auto-negotiation (RJ-45)
2 Copper port (RJ-45) duplex mode: full or half-duplex
3 Copper port (RJ-45) data bit rate: 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps
4 Fiber port duplex mode: full duplex or half duplex
5 Enables/disables Link Fault Signaling (LFS)
6 Enables/disables Local Loopback (LLB)
7 Enables/disables Remote Loopback (RLB)
3.1.3 NWAYDIP-S
WITCHSETTING
Use the NWay DIP switch (#1) to activate NWay
operations. The switch’s default setting is ON.
Before connecting any network device, see if it supports
NWay. If it does, double check that the converter’s
NWay DIP switch is ON. The converter will automatically
CHAPTER 3: Installation

14
10/100 TO 100BASE-FX MEDIA CONVERTERS
set the optimum speed and duplex mode on the copper
segment. Skip the settings for DIP-switches 2 and 3 when
NWay is activated.
If your network device does not support NWay, set the
NWay DIP switch (#1) to OFF. Then use DIP-switch 2 to
manually select either half-duplex (HD) or full duplex
(FD) mode. Use DIP-switch 3 to manually select either
10- or 100-Mbps speeds. Set the NWay switch OFF when
connecting to an autosensing device that only supports
10/100-Mbps detection. Some earlier switch models
support only autosensing of speed, not autodetection of
speed and duplex mode (autonegotiation).
IMPORTANT!
In order to configure DIP-switches 2 (duplex mode) and 3
(speed), set DIP-switch 1 (NWay) OFF.
If you experience any of the problems listed below, make
sure the NWay switch is properly set.
1. The LNK LED is not lit and the connection
cannot be established.
2. The LNK LED is lit and the connection is fine, but
the converter cannot transmit or receive data.

15
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3. The converter functions properly for awhile, but
then it doesn’t work. It works after powering off
and then on again.
3.1.4 L
INKFAULT
S
IGNALING
(LFS)
LFS is extremely helpful in network status monitoring.
The LFS LED will immediately light when a cable has
been severed or when some other disruption in service
occurs. The LFS function monitors both copper and
fiber segments, giving a total connection status report.
Set LFS (DIP-switch 5) to ON for normal operation. Set
LFS to OFF when installing cables or when testing the
network connection.
NOTE
The LFS feature influences both fiber and copper
segments. Therefore, when disruption occurs on either
segment, LFS will be activated and the LED will light,
indicating that the entire connection is down.
To take advantage of the full benefits of LFS, four
converters can be used to build a primary and a secondary
link. They must be connected to a switch that supports
Spanning Tree or Fast Spanning Tree protocols. By default,
transmission of data will travel via the primary link. Once a
fault has been detected, transmission will automatically be
switched to the secondary link, resulting in “non-stop”
network connectivity.

16
10/100 TO 100BASE-FX MEDIA CONVERTERS
3.1.5 L
OOPBACKTESTS
The converter features DIP switches to activate both
local and remote loopback diagnostic test functions. Use
local loopback to see if the copper segment is connected
properly. Use the remote loopback to see if the fiber
segment is connected properly. See Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2. Remote and local loopback tests.
Turning DIP-switch 6 ON enables local loopback.
Turning DIP-switch 7 ON enables remote loopback.
Make sure that the cables are connected properly before
getting started. Conduct either the local or remote test,
but not both at the same time. Follow the steps listed on
the next few pages to perform the diagnostic tests.
Local Loopback
Remote Loopback
Copper
Fiber
Converter A
Converter B

17
CHAPTER 3: Installation
Local Loopback
1. Test condition setup. For the function to produce
an accurate result, be sure to set switches
according to Table 3-1.
Table 3-1. Test condition, local loopback.
DIP Switches 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Converter A OFF FD 100 FD OFF ON OFF
Converter B OFF FD 100 FD OFF OFF OFF
2. Launch a loopback or diagnostics testing program
and follow the instructions given. The instructions
will be similar to this:
a) Enter the number of test messages (frame
packets) to be sent (between 1 and 1000).
b) Press the START button.
c) The program will send a testing message
looped in the copper segment and display a
pass/fail result.

18
10/100 TO 100BASE-FX MEDIA CONVERTERS
Remote Loopback
1. Test condition setup. For the function to produce
an accurate result, be sure to set switches
according to Table 3-2.
Table 3-2. Test condition, remote loopback.
DIP Switches 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Converter A OFF FD 100 FD OFF OFF OFF
Converter B OFF FD 100 FD OFF OFF ON
2. Launch a loopback or diagnostics testing program
and follow the instructions given. The instructions
will be similar to this:
a) Enter the number of test messages (frame
packets) to be sent (between 1 and 1000).
b) Press the START button.
c) The program will send a testing message
looped in the fiber segment and display a
pass/fail result.
WARNING
Be sure to deactivate both local and remote test functions
for normal converter operations.

19
CHAPTER 3: Installation
NOTE
On a PC, use a program such as Sniffer to conduct the
tests. Other methods include the use of SmartBits series
testing equipment. If you don’t have access to either
method, call Technical Support.
3.2 Installing the Converter
Once you’ve set your converter as described in Section
3.1, you’ll need to place it on a desktop or mount it on a
wall. Next, power on the converter. Connect the
converter to a 10/100BASE-TX device or network
segment. Finally, connect the converter to a 100BASEFX device or to another media converter via fiberoptic
cable. Follow the steps listed below:
1. For desktop installation, affix the four non-skid
rubber feet to the bottom of the converter.
For wallmount installation, use the underside of
the converter as a template to measure and mark
out the position of the holes onto the surface
where you will install the converter. Then use the
two mounting screws provided to mount the
converter firmly in place.
2. Connect the appropriate power supply for your
country to the power connector on the side of the

20
10/100 TO 100BASE-FX MEDIA CONVERTERS
converter. Plug the power supply into a suitable
power outlet.
3. Power on the converter. The power LED should
light. If it does not, make sure that the power
cable is plugged in properly.
4. Make sure that the Category 5 straight-through
twisted-pair cable between the 10/100BASE-TX
device (hub or switch) and the converter is no
longer than 328 ft. (100 m).
5. Connect one end of the cable to the RJ-45 jack on
the converter.
6. Connect the other end of the cable to the RJ-45
jack on the 10/100BASE-TX device.
7. Connect one end of a fiber cable to the ST or SC
connectors on the converter.
8. Connect the other end of the fiber cable to the ST
or SC connectors on the other converter or
100BASE-FX device.
Installation is complete.

21
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.3 Typical Applications
E
XAMPLE
1
Figure 3-3. Converters connecting two LAN switch workgroups.
Fast Ethernet switch
Fast Ethernet switch
10/100 to
100BASE-FX
Media
Converters
UTP
UTP
328 ft.
(100 m)
328 ft.
(100 m)
328 ft.
(100 m)
328 ft.
(100 m)
Single-mode fiber cable
(LH1707A-SC-US: 9.3 mi. [15 km];
LH1708A-SC-US: 18.6 mi. [30 km])

22
10/100 TO 100BASE-FX MEDIA CONVERTERS
E
XAMPLE
2
Figure 3-4. Converters connecting a LAN switch
and a network server.
E
XAMPLE
3
Figure 3-5. Converters connecting a LAN switch
and a workstation.
328 ft.
(100 m)
328 ft.
(100 m)
328 ft.
(100 m)
Workstation
Fast Ethernet switch
10/100 to
100BASE-FX
Media
Converters
UTP
UTP
Single-mode fiber cable
(LH1707A-SC-US: 9.3 mi. [15 km];
LH1708A-SC-US: 18.6 mi. [30 km])
Server
Fast Ethernet switch
10/100 to
100BASE-FX
Media
Converters
UTP
UTP
328 ft.
(100 m)
328 ft.
(100 m)
328 ft.
(100 m)
328 ft.
(100 m)
Single-mode fiber cable
(LH1707A-SC-US: 9.3 mi. [15 km];
LH1708A-SC-US: 18.6 mi. [30 km])

23
4. LED Indicators
Once your 10/100 to 100BASE-FX Media Converter is
properly installed, it operates maintenance-free.
Several LEDs tell you the status of the converter and the
network at a glance. See Figures 4-1 and 4-2.
Figure 4-1. LEDs on the converter with ST connectors.
Figure 4-2. LEDs on the converter with SC connectors.
CHAPTER 4: LED Indicators

24
10/100 TO 100BASE-FX MEDIA CONVERTERS
• The Power LED (located on the side of the
converter) lights when the converter is receiving
power. The unlit LED indicates a power failure or
that the power is off.
• The LFS LED lights when there’s a connection
disruption in the copper/fiber segment. It
remains on when the copper/fiber segment is OK.
• The 100 LED indicates that the port is operating
at 100 Mbps. The unlit LED indicates that the port
is operating below 100 Mbps.
• The LNK/ACT LED flashes when data traffic is
passing through the port. The LED lights when
connectors are attached. The LED is off when no
valid link is established on the port.
• The FDX/COL LED lights when the converter is
in full duplex mode. Flashing indicates a collision.
The LED is off when the port is operating at half
duplex.

25
CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting
5. Troubleshooting
5.1 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your 10/100 to 100BASE-FX
Media Converter is malfunctioning, do not attempt to
alter or repair the unit. It contains no user-serviceable
parts. Contact Black Box at 724-746-5500.
Before you do, make a record of the history of the
problem. We will be able to provide more efficient and
accurate assistance if you have a complete description,
including:
• the nature and duration of the problem.
• when the problem occurs.
• the components involved in the problem.
• any particular application that, when used,
appears to create the problem or make it worse.

26
10/100 TO 100BASE-FX MEDIA CONVERTERS
5.2 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your 10/100 to
100BASE-FX Media Converter:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use
the original container.
• If you are shipping the media converter for repair,
make sure you include everything that came in the
original package. Before you ship, contact Black
Box to get a Return Authorization (RA) number.

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax 724-746-0746
© Copyright 2003. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.